BAHAHAHAHAHA. How many of us are out there? This is all in good clean fun. So please R56 owners don't take offense.

 

I used to be a R53 elitist.....then I got a new R56 & now I giggle a little at R53 owners who don't know about how nice the R56 really is.

 

I do see myself as one .

 

I started out as one (well, there wasn't any other flavor back then) but have expanded my tastes and preferences in recent years.

 

I'm guilty as charge.

 

I own an R53 and I prefer its driving feel over that of the R56, but I have nothing against the 2nd gens.

 

Nothing against R56s, but it's a plain fact that the R53 is better looking. Plus, to people who don't know much about cars, "supercharged" is more impressive than "turbocharged".

 

I was an R53 elitist when I had one. I still think they have the best aesthetics of the new MINIs. I'll probably buy another one someday - there's nothing like that supercharger whine, particularly once you open up the intake.

That said, I'm a particularly rare breed of R53 elitist now - the kind that drives a Countryman (once it gets here).

 

yeah, I was a First Gen Snob for a few years too.

Now I'm going to be a First and Second Gen Snob and doubt I'll ever warm up to the Third Gen Hardtops.

 

Is there a MINI Anonymous group anywhere?

 

My first Mini was/is a 2007 base model...it's my daily commuter vehicle. Last month I bought a 2006 S JCW to keep the '07 company. There are obvious differences between them, but each is BEAUTIFUL in its own way.

 

I just like to whine all day

 

To whine is divine!!

 

Yes I'm a whiner to so what. Bahaha

 

R53 for the Win !! even if I upgrade I will always keep my R53 I have spent far too much money and time on it, and besides that it holds second place to sex as the funnest things to do.

 

I second that

 

Oh don't be like that! You're like my mother. We know you have a favorite 'child'. Cough it up!


I've never had a chance to drive an R53, but I hear it's a more 'raw' experience. Sounds like fun, that's what a Mini is supposed to be IMO.

 

I'm an R50 elitist, we're a very exclusive club. We don't need no stinkin' superchargers


Seriously though, I've had the pleasure of driving a bunch of stuff in the MINI lineup.

I'd keep my R50 (modded to suit me.) as an around-town runner and canyon carver, but I'd gladly trade keys with an R56 S driver if I wanted to take a roadtrip that involved a lot of highway driving and/or steep roads at high altitudes. The R56 is a much more comfortable car to be in for long stretches.

 

Ihave a 65 austin cooper s and a 2 005 JCW. Just yesterday a gen 2 mini parked next to me at a restaurant, so much taller and bigger. I think the gen 1's are closer to the origional andare now clasics do to the new models and engins. MHB

 

Well us R60 owners seem to be the ugly stepchildren to some MINI owners but for now it's the only MINI that makes sense for me. I predict we'll be a two MINI family within a couple of years.

 

I never really thought about it, but I guess I am too. Currently have an 03, and an 05. Wouldn't trade them for anything (especially the 03). I someday get a countryman though.

Nik

 

Hi, my name is Rich, and I'm an R53 elitist.

 

I have an R56 and an R58. Wouldn't trade them for R50s or R53s, but would gladly own one of each. Everything except a CM and a PM, I don't care for that 'angry face'.

 

I've owned a '03 MC and currently own a '05 MCS... I just prefer the body style honestly. It's kinda subtle to some people, but I can see the differences.

I just wish there were some things made for the R53 that are available for the R56... like trim rings for headlights and taillights... I painted my headlight trim rings (need to install them still), but I have this feeling I'll be repainting them once a year. I painted my grill a few weeks ago and I can already see rock chips in it. That makes me sad. I'm going to have to do a little touch up soon.

 

I fit the mold.. that said, if I had the cash I would like a very modded 09' JCW..